ESPZEN Sunday League Season 20 Division 6
Andernese FC vs Kamikaze FC
6/10/2013
11am Kickoff
First Toa Payoh Secondary
Kamikaze came into this game on the back of two consecutive wins. However, they had a break the previous week and that seemed to have halted the team's momentum as they made a meal out of what should have been a straightforward game.
Kamikaze seemed to have had assembled a strong line-up as they had several big names back from injury and official duties, and even the loss of Mohaan for the fixture did not seem to dampen their spirits. Despite having the likes of Vijay, Safar, Siva, Pratheep, Yeli and Hevy in their ranks, Kamikaze had a tough time breaking down the defence of Andernese FC.
The instructions for the team at the start was simple: Go out and get the goals. In the end, the team managed to hold out for the narrowest of 2-1 wins thanks to the team's resolute, determined defending.
Pratheep opened the scoring in the first half after some excellent build-up play from Kishen and Siva who layed up the ball perfectly for Pratheep to lash out for his second goal of the season. The team then went 2-0 up early in the second half, thanks to some excellent individual effort from Yeli who shimmied past two defenders and swerved the ball past the hapless keeper with a sweet left-footed shot. That should have been the cue for the team to go forth and chalk up the goals. But, a combination of poor finishing and nervy passing seemed to let Andernese back into the game and they gleefully accepted the chance.
A routine long punt which was visibly offside was let off by the referee and the Andernese striker pounced on to the chance to give his team a fighting chance. The comeback was nearly sealed as KKZ conceded a freekick which seemed to be dipping in towards the goal before Keeper Pratip got his fingertips to put it out for a corner. The team then defended collectively, with special mention going out to the defenders who requited themselves majestically after the previous game in which they were singled out for criticism.
In all honesty, it must be worrying for the Kamikaze Manager that when his attackers deliver, his defenders do not and when the defenders are imperious, the attack is feeble. But as Senior Player Victor mentioned,
"It must be even more worrying for our opponents, that we have won 3 straight games without kicking into 3rd gear. To be honest, we haven't really performed as a team to what we are capable of. But that is a by-product of us adjusting to the several changes in our match-day organisation. I have absolutely no doubt that this group of wonderful, committed and determined players will quickly gel as a team, and then I assure you, that we would be absolutely unplayable. Our next opponents, should be very wary of our backlash. A rout is around the corner."
Victor has a notorious habit of making the most inaccurate of predictions. Will his curse continue, or will his team rally round to start delivering what they are capable of? Watch this space!
KAMIKAZE!!!
Squad: Pratip, Suresh USPO (c), Neshsta, Kishen, Barathi, Shivaanan, Gerard, Haresh, Safar, Pratheep, Siva, Anand Spaceship, Dinzo, Prem, Vijay, Hevy, Yeli
Goals: Pratheep, Yeli
Assists: Siva, Shivaanan
Final Score: Andernese 1 - 2 Kamikaze FC
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